Cessna 182 JT-A Makes First Production Flight

Stephen Pope

Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 07:26 PM ET

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** Cessna 182 JT-A**

Key Takeaways:

The new Cessna 182 JT-A Turbo Skylane, the first modern single-engine piston airplane designed to run on jet-A fuel, successfully completed its inaugural flight.
Powered by a Safran SMA diesel engine, the aircraft offers significantly improved fuel efficiency, burning 30-40% less fuel than comparable avgas engines.
It boasts an estimated range of 1,025 nautical miles and is scheduled for deliveries later this year, priced at $515,000.

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The first production example of the new Cessna 182 JT-A Turbo Skylane made its inaugural flight this week, ushering in a new era as the first modern single-engine piston airplane designed specifically to run on jet-A.

“The Turbo Skylane JT-A performed just as expected,” said Cessna senior test pilot Dale Bleakney. “The weather conditions were fantastic, and we took the Turbo 182 up for what turned out to be a very normal first flight. We flew for 2.3 hours, achieved a flight level of 8,000 feet, and attained a true air speed of 158 knots. We brought it in and did some takeoffs and landings, and everything went as expected.”